It’s been a whirlwind around here the last few weeks, what with my mom visiting, then my trip to Dell in Austin. Mom had been bemoaning how much she missed San Diego after she helped me move here in March (I made her go home early as we needed to settle in. It wasn’t the time to be tourists!).

So this time, we were able to do all the fun stuff in town. In fact, I don’t know what we didn’t do! We visited Old Town, which is a great historic area for shopping. We took a harbor tour (I got bored after the first hour). We visited the Farmer’s Market in Little Italy (see photos below). While I was in Round Rock, Mom took a trolley around town and shopped at Seaport Village.

A good time was had by all. Max was sad when she left (didn’t help that Papa had to leave the day before for work travel), and the house is quiet now. The coffee doesn’t mysteriously get made on its own, nor do the towels get folded (not the way we fold, but hey, it beats leaving them in the dryer for 3 days).

Mom, thank you for coming and putting up with your temperamental virtually teenage daughter. I love you.

So I had a conversation with my best friend, who happens to be from Serbia. She moved her when she was 13, but still sees differences in Americans vs. Europeans.

We were talking about the people we’ve met who will say “We’ll have to get together, ” and then make no effort to do so. Who always say things are perfect even when they’re not.

She says it’s an American thing. I say it’s a woman thing. But I’m not like that, and neither is she. We’re both very direct, and quick to say that things suck (parenting, perhaps) and quick to invite you to our homes. On a specific day. Not in general.

So what gives? She says American women are afraid of showing that underneath the facade of a clean house, things aren’t as perfect as they appear. I say women are afraid of getting close to others for fear of rejection.

Is it an American thing? A female thing? What do you say?

I’ve been super glad I live near my mom lately.

I’ve been sick. NOt dying or anything, just a whiny baby cold, but enough to put me in bed for 3 days.

I was deliberating about what to do if I keeled over going to pick up Max from school when I realized my mom could get him. YES!

Since then she’s hung out with Max so I could rest and brought me get-well-soon foods (read: McDonald’s Angus burgers and nachos. Feed a cold, people. Feed. a. Cold.). I’m so grateful to have her nearby.

For you folks that have always lived near your parents, consider yourself lucky. I moved away at the tender age of 18 and haven’t lived in the same city since. I’ve gotten used to fending for myself, sucking up my illness to take care of my child and withering away if there’s nothing to eat in the house. But with Mom just 5 minutes away, it’s made my life as a pseudo-single mom a lot easier.

So thanks for that Mom. And by the way, could you come over with sushi? I’m getting hungry…